Holidays

The Holidays and Your Cat's Health

Keeping your pet safe and health at all times should be one of your major concerns, and
this can be even more difficult around the holidays. There are a number of special
considerations you must make for your cat around the holidays. Your vet can give you
more specific instructions, but here are just a few of the things you need to consider.

Holidays are not festive without a little decorating, and this includes, in many cases, the
use of flowers. If you have a cat in your house, make sure that flowers are well out of
reach if they are toxic, remembering that cats can jump very high. Some of the most
popular flowers that are harmful to your pet include bleeding hearts, calla lilies,
poinsettias, daffodils, Easter lilies, irises, ivies, tulips (the bulb part), and a number of
other plants. Most cats will not go out of their way to eat these things, but to be on the
safe side, make sure you use them in a safe way in your home or, better yet, opt for faux
versions instead. There are many kinds of plants that can harm your cat, so check with
your vet to make sure before bringing new kinds of plants into your house.

The holidays also may bring a number of guests into your home for parties and
gatherings. This can be very scary for your cat, unless he or she is used to high levels of
traffic. It's a good idea to keep your cat in a room away from the party with the door shut.
This will prevent your cat from being scared. When people are coming into and out of
your house, there's also the potential that your cat could get outside, and there is also the
danger that guests will feed your cat unsafe human foods. It is better to keep your cat
away from the party.

Remember also that alcohol and animals do not mix well. Alcohol, in fact, is deadly to
animals. Although you or (more likely) a guest might think it's funny to slip a little vodka
into your cat's water bowl, this could prove fatal. When you have guests, put your cat's
food and water bowls somewhere safe where no one can tamper with them.

Candles and electrical lights could also be unsafe for your pet. Cats are attracted to bright
lights, and a candle could not only burn your pet, but you may find that a cat knocking
over a candle will start a fire in your house or, at the least, spill wax onto furniture or
carpets. Use electrical lights instead, but remember to keep the cords covered and taped
down so your pet isn't tempted to play with them. Overall, keep an extra eye on your pet
during the holidays to make sure they are staying safe at all times. You can have a good
time without compromising your cat's health.